Latest Insights
Italy after the European Parliament Elections: the Populists prevail
Despite gains in France, the UK and other nations, Italy remains the sole EU member state to have a populist governing coalition after the EU Parliament elections. What does this mean for the future of Italy-Brussels relations and key policy debates likely to emerge in the next session?
US and Russia: developments in Venezuela
On 14 May 2019, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met in Sochi. The main topic of discussion was the conflict in Venezuela, which has recently strained Russia-US relations.
The Growing Risk of Saudi Arms Trade
Saudia Arabia is undergoing a difficult public relations crises after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, affecting its arms trade with allies.
Division and Apathy in North Macedonia
On 5th May, voters in North Macedonia went to the polls to choose a new president. It was the first election held since the country changed its legal name from
Chinese Activity in the Arctic
Growing US concerns over Chinese involvement in Arctic affairs have raised tensions between the two states. Although detrimental to mutual trust, it is unlikely that economic activity in the Arctic Circle will be disrupted in the near future as China currently seeks to avoid securitization of the region.
Cameroon: Escalating Crisis in the Anglophone Regions
The escalation in Anglophone Cameroon began about two years ago and shows no signs of resolution. The international community should encourage the Cameroonian government and Anglophone separatists into meaningful dialogue.
Iran partially exits the nuclear deal: is war on the horizon?
President Trump’s most recent sanctions and deployment of an aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf has raised fears about another US war in the Middle-East. Iran’s decision to cease compliance with key parts of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) intensifies anxieties.
China-US: A Trade War of Attrition?
On 10 May, 2019, the Trump administration raised tariffs on USD 200 billion worth of imports from China. This escalation of events caught observers by surprise. The Chinese side has retaliated with tariffs on American goods.
South Africa elections: Opportunities and challenges
South Africa’s recent general election has bucked the international trend towards populism by consolidating its democracy at the political centre.
Europe’ data security dilemma: the Huawei debate
Last month, Huawei offered an anti-spy agreement to Germany, in order to ease the data security concerns and be able to participate in the country’s 5G mobile networks. However, without the same level of guarantee from the Chinese government, it is unlikely that the concerns could be eliminated. What would be the next step for European countries on this matter?
